peony 'Black Pirate'

Will grow well in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Plant in autumn, add fertiliser in spring to promote good growth and mulch avoiding the stem area. Irrigate regularly until the plant becomes established after which it should not require routine watering. See tree peony cultivation for more details.

Prune dead stems to a healthy bud in late winter and cut flowered shoots just above the new growth in summer or autumn. Cut stems by a third in autumn to encourage vigor if the plant becomes leggy. See Pruning group 1 for more details.

Propagate by grafting, from a semi-ripe cutting or layering

May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworm and soil-dwelling swift moth caterpillar

May be susceptible to peony wilt